Twin Inferno

3.web of deadly game

Rudra s POV:

I surveyed the hall, the dim lighting casting long shadows as music and chatter filled the air. These events were nothing more than a display of power, money, and egos—all carefully masked beneath smiles and glittering jewelry. My attention drifted from one face to another until it landed on *her*—Siya Kapoor.

She stood near the edge of the room, awkwardly holding her champagne flute. Something about her seemed out of place amidst this sea of fake people. Her hesitation, her modest demeanor, it all screamed that she didn’t belong here. I started walking toward her, curiosity piqued.

"Ms. Kapoor, isn't it?" I greeted her smoothly, maintaining a polite tone.

She looked startled for a moment but quickly masked it. "Yes, Mr. Singhania," she replied, her voice soft yet clear. "I’m just not used to these kinds of gatherings."

I could tell. She was a stark contrast to everyone else in the room—genuine in a way that seemed almost fragile. Before I could ask more, I heard an all-too-familiar voice cutting through the air.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the guest of honor.” Ehaan’s smug voice echoed behind me, dripping with condescension. He appeared next to us, eyes fixed on Siya with a twisted smirk. “Surprised you made it to an event like this, Siya. These circles aren’t exactly meant for the likes of you, are they?”

Siya visibly stiffened, her fingers tightening around her glass.

I could feel my irritation rise. “Is there a problem, Ehaan?” I asked, my voice calm but edged with warning.

Ehaan ignored me, leaning in toward Siya. “You know, it’s not too late to leave. Save yourself from embarrassing moments. I’m sure no one would miss you if you just… slipped out.”

Siya looked like she wanted the ground to swallow her whole. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could speak, Esha swept in.

“Oh, Ehaan, you’re being so cruel,” Esha cooed, flashing her perfectly sweet smile. But I knew better. That sweetness was nothing more than a mask. “Poor Siya is just trying to enjoy the night.”

Esha slipped her arm around Siya’s shoulders in a friendly gesture, though her fingers gripped a little too tightly. “Don’t worry, Siya. It’s okay if these events feel a little overwhelming. They can be… a lot for someone who’s not used to it.”

Her voice was sugary, but the undertone was unmistakable. *You don’t belong here.*

Siya's face paled as she glanced from Ehaan to Esha, sensing their combined attack. Ehaan chuckled darkly, clearly enjoying the discomfort he caused.

“I’m fine,” Siya said, her voice soft but determined. “I don’t need anyone’s help.”

Ehaan stepped forward, his smirk widening. “Really? Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you could use all the help you can get.”

I clenched my jaw, ready to intervene, but Esha spoke again, cutting me off. “Why don’t you come with me, Siya?” she suggested, her voice oozing false warmth. “I’ll take care of you tonight. We girls need to stick together, after all.”

Ehaan snickered behind her, clearly relishing the spectacle. “Yeah, let Esha ‘take care of you,’ Siya. You might learn a thing or two.”

I could see Siya’s hesitation, but before she could decline, Esha tightened her grip on her shoulder and practically began steering her away from us. “It’s decided, then! You’ll stay with me for the night. Don’t worry, Rudra, I’ll make sure she’s in good hands.”

I wasn’t fooled by Esha’s act. I could see through her sweet façade, but I had no choice but to watch as she led Siya away, looking every bit the caring friend while pulling the strings behind the scenes.

Before they disappeared into the crowd, Esha turned back and gave me a look—one of pure triumph, as if she had won some twisted game. She was playing her cards carefully, manipulating the situation to her advantage. And Siya? She had no idea what kind of dangerous game she had just been pulled into.

Ehaan, sensing the tension between us, smirked. “Looks like your little guest isn’t cut out for this world, Rudra. Why waste your time?”

I stepped closer, glaring at him. “You should be careful, Ehaan. One day, someone might stand up to you, and you won’t like what happens.”

He scoffed, crossing his arms. “We’ll see about that. For now, enjoy the show.”

He turned and walked off, leaving me fuming as I watched Siya and Esha disappear from sight. I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling in my gut. Esha was dangerous in her own way—calculating, obsessed, and willing to go to extremes to get what she wanted.

And now, Siya was trapped in her web.